Arteta condemns Sunderland penalty decision after Arsenal win

Mikel Arteta said the penalty awarded to Sunderland in Arsenal’s 2-0 Premier League victory could have cost his side the title, describing the decision as “not acceptable”.

Arsenal secured a fourth win in four league matches at The Stadium of Light on Saturday, moving three points clear at the top of the table. However, their manager was left furious by the incident that could have put Sunderland ahead early in the second half.

Ezri Konsa was penalised for bringing Dan Ballard to the ground inside the Arsenal penalty area. Replays appeared to show Ballard also pulling the England international down as the two players wrestled.

Enzo Le Fee took the resulting penalty, but Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya produced an excellent save to deny Sunderland and keep the score level.

Two minutes later, Bruno Guimaraes gave Arsenal the lead with a powerful strike – his first goal for the club. Bukayo Saka then converted a penalty in stoppage time to complete the win.

Arteta remained critical of the officials despite the result.

“We have to go through what was done today that in my opinion is not acceptable. I watched it 20 times and I cannot find a way to understand how they think to give a penalty in that situation or the way the VAR has not intervened,” he said.

“I don’t know what to think really. I’m sad that we have to discuss in such a beautiful game something at this level that has the gravity of that because that changes the course of the season and it can cost you the championship.

“At this level, with all the work that we put in, this cannot happen.”

Guimaraes, Arsenal’s major signing during the transfer window, entered the match at half-time. The £75 million ($87 million) summer arrival has not started a game for his new club, with Arteta selecting Myles Lewis-Skelly alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in midfield.

The Brazil international immediately made an impact in a match that carried extra significance for him. The former Newcastle captain was targeted by Sunderland supporters before silencing them with his goal.

He also played a part in Arsenal’s second goal, supplying the pass that allowed Saka to move into the area before being brought down for the late penalty.

“The personality that he has. He comes in and this is a special game for him as well, what it means for him, and how he grabs the game,” Arteta added.

“The decisions that he’s made and the two actions. The goal is incredible and the assist as well to Bukayo to put him through in front of goal, it’s unbelievable as well.”